Pool Associations in a Quarrel

The UPA, United States Professional Poolplayers Association, has announced making a stand against the WPA, the World Pool-Billiard Association, claiming the latter has been "meddling" with the US male pool circuit. The announcement followed the BCA (Billiard Congress of America) press release that informed their amendments of the current pool players ranking system in the USA. 

Frank Alvarez, UPA President, has reacted furiously "The UPA is officially recognized by the BCA as the 'governing body' and yet we were not consulted on this matter nor informed by the BCA of any such release… It is apparent that the UPA membership as a whole is not being treated equally or with the same respect as its counter part the Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA). Understandably, the player's are outraged and we believe this matter will do nothing but impair U.S. pool if not resolved in the near future." 

To prove that they put their cue where their mouth is, the members of the United States Professional Poolplayers Association, Shane Van Boening and Rodney Morris among them, intend to withdraw from the upcoming 9-ball pool event, the 2008 Qatar World Open 9-Ball Championships, planned to begin at the end of June.   

UPA vs. WPA and BCA - Who's against Who